Baby changing mat

ABSTRACT

A changing mat having securing features allows a caretaker to easily and conveniently change the infant&#39;s diaper when traveling, at home, or elsewhere. The changing mat may include one or more mounts or groups of mounts which allow the infant to be strapped and secured to the mat. The mounts may be positioned such that the straps do not obstruct the diaper changing process. A stiffening element within the changing mat helps ensure that the infant&#39;s movements are restricted during changing. One or more gripping elements prevent the changing mat from sliding or moving when in use. A support surface may be provided to support and/or cushion to the infant. The changing mat may have a variety of shapes used to appeal to caretakers and to properly support the infant during a diaper change.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/329,189 titled Baby Changing Mat, filed April 29, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to baby changing devices and inparticular to a secured baby changing mat.

2. Related Art

As is known, infants need frequent changing. The changing processgenerally involves replacing a soiled diaper with a clean diaper. Thoughseemingly straightforward, the process is complicated by infantsthemselves who often choose to squirm, roll, wiggle, attempt to leave,or engage in other activities rather than remaining motionless orsubstantially motionless. The caretaker is thus in a quandary as he orshe must simultaneously manage a moving infant while replacing theinfant's diaper.

The situation is made worse for new parents or other caretakers. Inaddition, an infant's diaper may need changing at any time. For example,the infant and caretaker may be on vacation, shopping, or travelling.These are less than ideal circumstances for changing the infant'sdiaper. This is especially so when only one caretaker is present.

From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that thepresent invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the priorart while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits notcontemplated or possible with prior art constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A changing mat for convenient and safe baby diaper changes is disclosedherein. The changing mat provides a number of convenience and safetyfeatures which secure infants of various sizes and shapes to preventmovement as well as injury. The changing mat may be configured to beeasily transported and stored, as well as being appealing to caretakers.In addition, the changing mat includes features to aid in repairing,maintaining, and cleaning the changing mat.

The changing mat may have a variety of configurations. For example, inone exemplary embodiment, a changing mat may comprise a stiffeningelement, and a support surface having a least some cushioning. Thesupport surface may cover at least a portion of the stiffening element.Alternatively the support surface may be formed into a form fittingcover that surrounds the stiffening element. It is noted that thestiffening element may have one or more articulation lines so as to befoldable along these lines.

A plurality of mounts may be configured to engage one or more straps.The straps may extend outward from the support surface. One or morecouplers may be attached to one or more of the straps. The couplers maybe configured to connect one or more of the straps to secure an infantto the changing mat. One or more gripping elements may be at a bottom ofthe changing mat to help hold the changing mat in position relative tothe surface or structure it is on.

The plurality of mounts may be arranged in sets of one or more mounts ata first and a second side of the changing mat to cause the straps toextend from across the changing mat. For instance, the plurality ofmounts may be arranged in four sets of one or more mounts with a firsttwo of the sets on a first side of the changing mat and a second two ofthe sets on a second side of the changing mat. To illustrate, the setsof mounts may be in a rectangular, trapezoidal or other four sidedpolygonal shape or arrangement. Pairs of the sets of the mounts may bealigned such that the straps extend diagonally between the pairs of thesets.

It is noted that a first pair of the sets of the mounts at the top ofthe changing mat may be laterally spaced closer together than a lateralspacing of a second pair of the sets. In this manner, the straps mayextend between the sets of the mounts in an “X” shape that is narrowerat the top of the changing mat and wider at the bottom of the changingmat because of the lateral spacing of the first and second pair of thesets. to The wider spacing at the bottom is beneficial in that itprovides a large amount of space at a baby's lower body so that changingcan be more easily accomplished.

In another exemplary embodiment, a changing mat may comprise astiffening element, and a support surface having a least somecushioning. As with the above, the support surface may be at a top ofthe changing mat and adjacent the stiffening element. A plurality ofmounts may be arranged in one or more pairs with one or more firstmounts of a pair on a first side of the support surface and one or moresecond mounts of the pair on a second side of the support surface. Oneor more straps may extend between the pairs of mounts. It is noted thatthe straps comprise one or more couplers configured to releasablyconnect a first and a second portion of the straps. A bottom surfacehaving one or more gripping elements may be included as well.

The straps may extend between the pairs of mounts in an “X” shape. Forexample, individual mounts of the pairs may be aligned such that thestraps extend diagonally between the pairs of the sets. The plurality ofmounts of the pairs of mounts may be positioned to cause the “X” shapeformed by the straps to be narrower at a top end and wider at a bottomend. It is noted that the straps may releasably engage one or more ofthe plurality mounts to permit the straps to extend between various ofthe plurality of mounts.

Various methods relating to the changing mat's construction and use aredisclosed herein as well. For example, in one embodiment a method ofchanging a baby with a changing mat may comprise providing a changingmat comprising a support surface mounted to a first side of a stiffeningelement, and a plurality of pairs of mounts located diagonal from eachother on a first side and a second side of the to support surface. Aplurality of straps may be attached in an “X” shape to the supportsurface via one or more of the pairs of mounts at the support surface. Abottom surface of the changing mat may be provided at a second side ofthe stiffening element.

One or more couplers may be configured to releasably connect a firstportion of at least one of the plurality straps to a second portion ofthe of the plurality of straps. At least two of the mounts may bepositioned to cause the “X” shape of the straps to be narrower at a topend of the changing mat and wider at a bottom end of the changing mat.

A baby may be placed beneath a portion of the plurality of straps tochange the baby. The baby may then be positioned such that the baby'shead extends out at a top end of the “X” shape, the baby's arms extendout laterally from the “X” shape, and the baby's legs extend out at abottom end of the “X” shape. This allows the straps to secure the babyso that changing can take place easily.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will beor will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe following figures and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the invention, and beprotected by the accompanying claims

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1A is a top view of an exemplary changing mat;

FIG. 1B is a perspective cross section view of an exemplary changingmat;

FIG. 1C is a top view of exemplary mounts and straps of an exemplarychanging mat;

FIG. 1D is a top view of exemplary mounts and straps of an exemplary tochanging mat;

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of an exemplary changing mat;

FIG. 2A is a top view of an exemplary changing mat with articulationlines;

FIG. 2B is a top view of an exemplary changing mat with articulationlines;

FIG. 3A is a top view of an exemplary changing mat in a first shape;

FIG. 3B is a top view of an exemplary changing mat in a second shape;

FIG. 3C is a top view of an exemplary changing mat in a third shape;

FIG. 3D is a top view of an exemplary changing mat;

FIG. 3E is a back view of an exemplary changing mat; and

FIG. 3F is a top view of an exemplary changing mat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

The changing mat herein provides numerous aids and benefits tocaretakers who must change an infant's diapers. The changing mat may beused for infants of various ages and/or sizes as will become apparent inthe following. In addition, though described with reference tobabies/infants it is contemplated that the changing mat may be used forindividuals who are no longer infants, such as by sizing the changingmat for such individuals.

In one or more embodiments, the changing mat provides a surface uponwhich an infant may be placed. The changing mat may secure the infant inposition to aid in changing the infant's diaper. In addition, thechanging mat may be configured to prevent movement of the mat while inuse. These features, individually and in combination, are highlyadvantageous to the safety of the infant in that they prevent the infantfrom falling off the changing mat or otherwise colliding with hard orhazardous surfaces if the infant were to move.

The changing mat also provides convenience features which allow diaperchanges to be easily and conveniently accomplished even when the infantand caretaker are in less than ideal surroundings/circumstances.Moreover, the changing mat may be configured to be easily stored fortransport or simply stored. In one or more embodiments, as will bedescribed further below, the changing mat also provides andaesthetically pleasing shape which makes the changing mat moreattractive to purchasers but also contributes to the health andhappiness of the caretaker and/or infant.

The changing mat will now be described with regard to FIGS. 1A-1B. FIGS.1A-1B illustrate exemplary changing mats 104 that provide a supportsurface 120 for supporting an infant. As can be seen, a changing mat mayalso have a first end 108 and a second end 112 as well as a top 132 anda bottom 136.

In one or more embodiments, the support surface 120 may be at the top132 of the changing mat 104. In general, the support surface 120provides an area upon which an infant may be placed. The support surface120 may be cushioned or “soft” in one or more embodiments, to provide acomfortable surface for the infant. In addition, the cushioning may beused to prevent injuries to the infant and caretaker. It is noted thatthe support surface 120 need not be cushioned (i.e., soft) in allembodiments.

The support surface 120 may have various levels for rigidity and/orresiliency. For example, the support surface 120 may be formed withsponge in one embodiment, and with rubber or rubberized material inanother embodiment. It is contemplated that various portions of thesupport surface 120 may have different levels of rigidity and/orresiliency. For example, a portion of the support surface 120 may beformed from rubber or rubberized material while another portion of thesupport surface may be formed by sponge or padding. As another example,only the portion of the support surface used to support an infant's head(such as the portion at the first end 108 of the changing mat 104) maybe cushioned in some embodiments. Though shown as generally planar, itis noted that some portions of the support surface 120, such ascushioned portions, may extend upward further than other portions of thesupport surface. This provides additional support/cushioning for certainareas of an infant's body. In addition, the combination of raised andlowered portions of the support surface 120 may serve as an indicator asto where an infant should be placed on the support surface. Forinstance, raised and lowered portions may form outlines toindicate/accept various portions of an infant's body. In one embodiment,the raised and lowered portions may form an outline similar to that ofan infant's body (including or not including its extremities) with thelowered portion being configured to accept the infant. It is noted thatthough particular soft or padded portions have to been illustrated bystippling in exemplary embodiments of the figures, various portions ofthe changing mat may be soft or padded in one or more embodiments.

The support surface 120 may be stain resistant, waterresistant/repellant, water proof, or the like in one or moreembodiments. For example, the support surface 120 may have a plastic orvinyl surface in one or more embodiments. This is beneficial in that itallows the support surface 120 to remain clean and to be easily cleanedwhen desired. It is contemplated that the outer surface of the supportsurface 120 may be plastic or other water resistant/repellant or waterproof so that the inner foam or other resilient material may beprotected. It is also contemplated that one or more anti-bacterialsurfaces may be used as well to reduce or eliminate the presence ofgerms. Though perhaps less stain resistant, it is noted that othermaterials may be used to form the support surface 120 as well. Forexample, cloth may be used in one or more embodiments.

The support surface 120 may be removable in one or more embodiments.This allows the support surface 120 to be removed, such as for cleaningor maintenance. In addition, this allows the support surface 120 to bereplaced if damaged or otherwise necessary. As an example, in one ormore embodiments, the support surface 120 may comprise or be configuredas a removable cover in some embodiments. In general, when provided,such cover will provide the outer surface of the support surface 120.For example, the cover may comprise a fabric or other covering whichwraps around or over at least the top 132 of the changing mat 104.

In another embodiment the cover may form or provide the rubberized orother surface of the changing mat's bottom 136. For example, the covermay be configured to enclose or wrap around the stiffening member 124and any cushioning of the changing mat to form the outer surface of thechanging mat 104. It is contemplated that the cushioning may be part ofthe cover in some embodiments.

The cover may have an opening to allow it to be placed over (i.e.,accept) the stiffening member 124 and any cushioning. If desired, theopening may be closed or secured by one or more fasteners such aszippers, hook and loop material, “Ziploc” type seals, buttons, elasticor resilient bands, and the like. This is beneficial in that it preventsunwanted material from entering the cover and secures the cover relativeto the changing mat.

It is contemplated that the support surface 120 may have a depression or“scooped out” portion at its surface. This forms an indent which helpskeep an infant in position. For example, FIG. 1A illustrates an ovalshaped depression 148 that accepts the infant, such as the posterior ofthe infant's body, to help keep the infant in position. Other shapes maybe used as well. Alternatively or in addition, it is contemplated that araised portion, such as a ring of material in a similar or the sameshape as the depression 148 may be used to help keep the infant inposition. The ring may be formed from a elongated and preferablyresilient and/or soft material that is bent or otherwise formed into thering shape.

The ring and/or depression 148 is beneficial in situations where thechanging mat is not level. For example, the changing mat may be onangled or uneven ground. This may cause an infant to slide along thesupport surface 120. The ring and/or depression 148 may be used tocounteract this by providing a physical structure which helps hold theinfant's body in position relative to the support surface 120.

In one or more embodiments, a stiffening element 124 may be provided tostiffen the changing mat 104. As can be seen in FIG. 1B for example, astiffening element 124 may be beneath the support surface 120 to providea structure for the support surface. The stiffening element 124 may havea variety of configurations which give the changing mat 104 a rigid orsemi-rigid structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the stiffeningelement 124 comprises a planer board-like structure. It is contemplatedthat other structures may be used. For example, the stiffening element124 may comprise a frame having one or more members.

Alternatively or in addition, the stiffening element 124 may compriseone or more reinforcing members. The members may be straight or mayinclude one or more bends, angles, curves, or a combination thereof.

The stiffening element 124 may be formed from one or more rigid orsemi-rigid materials such as but not limited to plastic, wood, metal,rubber, composite materials, or a combination thereof. It is noted thatsome flexibility of the stiffening element 124 may be advantageous insome embodiments in that the flexibility allows the changing mat 104 tobe more easily manipulated, such as during transport, use, and/orstorage of the changing mat.

In one or more embodiments, the stiffening element 124 will havesufficient rigidity to prevent an infant from bending or flexing thechanging mat 104 when the infant is secured to the changing mat. Forexample, one common maneuver is for an infant to bend at the waist as heor she is being changed. Another common maneuver is for the infant toroll from side to side or completely over. The stiffening element 124may have sufficient rigidity to prevent such movement by an infant.

In one or more embodiments, elements of the changing mat 104 may be usedto secure an infant to the changing mat. The ability to secure an infantis advantageous in that it makes changing the infant easier. This isbecause the secured infant is rendered substantially immobile. Inaddition, safety is increased by preventing the infant from rolling ormoving off the changing mat 104. This is advantageous in that itprevents the infant from possibly falling, such as in situations wherethe changing mat 104 is being used on a table or other raised surface.Safety is also increased in that the infant is prevented from rolling orotherwise moving into other objects such as rigid surfaces. In addition,the infant's grasp of other objects is limited in that the infant can nolonger reach to grab potentially dangerous objects. Moreover, the infantcan no longer reach to knock over nearby containers or the like.

An infant may be secured in a variety of ways. For example, one or moremounts 116 may be provided to secure an infant in position relative tothe changing mat 104. The mounts 116 may be positioned at variouslocations on the changing mat 104. Typically, the mounts 116 may bepositioned to secure mostly or only the upper body of an infant. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 1A, the mounts 116 have been located at ornear the first end 108 of the changing mat to secure the upper body ofan infant.

In one or more embodiments, the mounts 116 may be used to attach one ormore securing members, such as straps, belts, buckles, or the like, tothe changing mat 104. FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary embodimentshowing that one or more straps 140 may be used to secure an infant. Asshown, the mounts 116 comprise openings that accept a portion of thestraps 140.

A strap 140 may extend from a mount 116. For example, in FIG. 1C it maybe said that four straps 140 extend from mounts 116A,116B,116C,116D.Likewise, in FIG. 1D, it may be said that the straps 140 extend frommounts 116E,116F,116G,116H. A strap 140 may also or alternatively passthrough two mounts 116. For example, in FIG. 1C it may be said that astrap 140 may pass through mounts 116A and 116D, and/or mounts 116B and116C. Likewise, in FIG. 1D, it may be said that the straps 140 passthrough mounts 116E and 116G, and/or mounts 116F and 116H. In thismanner, when connected the strap 140 forms a loop which secures theinfant.

To allow an infant to be easily secured and released from the changingmat 104, one or more couplers 144 may be provided to engage/connect anddisengage/disconnect the straps 140 from one another. In general, acoupler 144 may be configured to connect portions of two or more straps140. For example, a coupler 144 may be a buckle, button, clasp, clip,clamp, or other connector. Referring to FIG. 1C, a single coupler 144may be used to connect two or more straps 140. Alternatively, multiplecouplers 144 may be used to connect two (or more) straps 140 as well.Referring to FIG. 1D, it can be seen that the straps 140 may haveangles, curves, or various other shapes. The straps 140 may also oralternatively have portions which extend to connect to a coupler 144 asshown in FIG. 1D.

Though shown with particular arrangements of couplers 144 it is notedthat additional couplers may be used to allow the straps 140 to beconnected and disconnect at various points. This allows the caretaker toeasily secure and release an infant and allows the caretaker to choosethe easiest or most convenient way to secure and release an infant (byallowing a choice of which coupler(s) 144 to use). It is contemplatedthat only one or some of a changing mat's couplers 144 may be engaged ordisengaged to secure or release an infant.

In some embodiments, couplers 144 may not be required/provided. In theseembodiments, the infant may be secured by the straps by manipulating thestraps and/or maneuvering the infant, rather than uncoupling andre-coupling one or more couplers 144.

It is contemplated that the straps 140 may be stretchable or notstretchable in various embodiments of the changing mat 104. Stretchingallows some movement so as to not overly restrict movement and/orbreathing of the infant. Of course, non-stretchable straps 140 could beused as well, with the caretaker being careful not to over tighten thestraps. It is noted that the straps 140 may be a soft material or may bepadded so that a soft surface is presented to an infant.

The mounts 116 need not be configured as openings in all embodiments.For example, a mount 116 may comprise a fastener which secures a strap140 to the changing mat 104. A variety of fasteners may be used. Forexample, one or more adhesives, screws, pins, clips, clamps, hook andlook fasteners, the like, or a combination thereof could be used tosecure a strap 140 to the changing mat 104.

It can be seen that corresponding mounts 116 may be oriented such thattheir associated straps 140 may be directed or pointed towardscorresponding mounts. For example, in FIG. 1C, the mounts 116 have beenangled such that there is a generally linear path for the straps betweenthe mounts. In this manner, the straps 140 may connect in an “X” shapewith the straps extending diagonally to form such “X” shape. As anotherexample, in FIG. 1D, the mounts 116 have been oriented such that thestraps 140 may form shoulder straps. It is contemplated that the mounts116 need not be oriented in this way in all embodiments because flexiblestraps 140 may connect regardless of the orientation of the mounts 116.

It is noted that the “X” shape is highly beneficial in that it securelyholds an infant while providing an open area for the infant's head,arms, and legs. For example, an infant's head may be between the straps140 at the top of the “X” shape, while the infant's arms extend outwardat the sides of the “X” shape. The infant's legs may extend downwardbetween the straps 140 at a lower section of the “X” shape. Also, unlikea single horizontal strap, the diagonal straps 140 provide increasedsurface area to contact and thus hold an infant in position.

As stated above, an infant may be secured by his or her upper body. Forexample, in FIG. 1C, the infant could be placed such that one arm islocated between mounts 116A and 116C and another arm is located betweenmounts 116B and 116D. Likewise, in the embodiment of FIG. 1D, the infantcould be positioned such that one arm is between mounts 116E and 116Gand another arm is between mounts 116F and 116H. When secured in suchmanner, it can be seen that the infant's lower body remains accessibleto allow the infant's diaper to be changed.

The mounts 116 may be positioned to secure an infant's upper body whilenot obstructing the lower body to allow diaper changes to be easilyperformed. For example, in FIG. 1C, the mounts 116 have been orientedsuch that the straps 140 form a short “X” where the top of the “X” isnarrower than the bottom of the “X”. This secures the infant's upperbody such that the straps 140 (forming the wider bottom of the “X”) tonot interfere with diaper changes at the infant's lower body. In one ormore embodiments, the mounts 116 may be positioned such that they are ator above the infant's waist so as to not interfere with diaper changes.For example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1C-1D, it is contemplated thatnone of the mounts 116 would be located below an infant's waist.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1A-1D, a set or series of mounts 116 may begrouped together in one or more embodiments. For instance, in FIG. 1C,mounts to 116A,116B,116C,116D are grouped together in four groups ofthree. Such groupings are advantageous in that they allow the straps 140to be positioned at or extend from various locations. This allows thechanging mat 104 to accommodate infants of various sizes. Referring toFIG. 1C, the straps 140 extend from the mounts 116A,116B,116C,116D whichare closest to one another. This may be used to accommodate an infant ofa first size. To accommodate an infant of a second larger size, thestraps 140 could be moved outward to one or more of the other mounts116A,116B,116C,116D. Though shown in groups having various numbers ofmounts, it is contemplated that mount groupings may comprise additionalor fewer individual mounts to accommodate infant's of various sizes.

Referring back to FIG. 1B, it is contemplated that the changing mat 104may be placed on different surfaces when in use. For example, acaretaker may place the changing mat 104 on a table or other surface. Itis contemplated that the changing mat 104 may have sufficient rigidity(such as provided by a stiffening element 124) to span across two ormore supporting surfaces in some embodiments. In either case, thechanging mat 104 may be configured such that it does not slide or slipwhen placed on a surface.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary embodiment having a gripping element128. Typically, the gripping element 128 will be located at the bottom136 of the changing mat 104 to “grip” the surface(s) upon which thechanging mat is placed. In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the grippingelement 128 spans the bottom 136 of the changing mat 104 thus forming agripping surface at the bottom of the changing mat. In some embodiments,multiple gripping elements 128 may be provided at various locations ofthe bottom 136 of the changing mat 104.

In one or more embodiments, a gripping element 128 may utilize frictionto prevent the changing mat 104 from slipping, sliding, or otherwisemoving. For example, the gripping element 128 may be a rubber surface,area, or element. Other materials besides rubber may be used togenerate/increase friction between the changing mat 104 and itssupporting surface(s). In addition, it is contemplated that other forcesmay be used in some embodiments. For example, a gripping element 128 maybe magnetic or may be an adhesive compound. In one embodiment, one ormore gripping elements 128 may be one or more suction cups.

It is noted that though shown in FIG. 1B as having an inner portion(e.g., stiffening element 124) and an outer portion (e.g., supportsurface 120 and gripping element(s) 128), the changing mat 104 may haveother configurations. For example, it is contemplated that the changingmat 104 may have a layered configuration such as shown in FIG. 1E. Theembodiment of FIG. 1E shows a triple-layered configuration having asupport surface 120, stiffening element 124, and gripping element 128which form the three layers. The changing mat 104 may comprise variouslayers. For example, a two-layered changing mat 104 may have a supportsurface 120 and stiffening element 124. Rather than forming a layer, oneor more gripping elements 128 may be attached to the stiffening element124 at the bottom 136 of the changing mat 104.

It is contemplated that the layers may be permanently or removablyattached to one another. For example, the layers may be adhered togetherpermenantly with one or more adhesives. Alternatively, the layers may beremovably attached by one or more removable fasteners, such as screws,magnets, hook and loop material, or the like. The removability isbeneficial in that it allows individual portions of the changing mat 104to be replaced (such as if damaged) and/or removed for maintenance. Forexample, the support surface 120 could be removed for cleaning andreattached to the stiffening element 124 when clean. Likewise a worn ordamaged support surface 120 could be replaced for a new one. Inaddition, a support surface 120 having a more appealing design orappearance may replace an old support surface in one or moreembodiments.

The changing mat 104 may be configured to be easily and/or convenientlytransported and stored in one or more embodiments. For example, thechanging mat 104 may be foldable or come in one or more sections thatmay be connected and disconnected as desired. Folding or separating thechanging mat 104 into sections can reduce one or more dimensions of thechanging mat allowing the mat to be more easily transported and/orstored as will now be described.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2A, it can be seen that the changingmat 104 may comprise one or more areas that may be configured to fold asindicated by the articulation lines 204. For example, the changing mat104 may comprise one or more folds, creases, hinges or the like whichallow the changing mat 104 to be folded or bent. This allows thechanging mat 104 to have a reduced linear size thus making it easier tostore and/or transport the changing mat. It is noted that one or morereinforcing members may be attached or engaged to prevent the changingmat 104 from folding when in use. For example, a rigid member may spanan articulation line 204 to prevent folding when the changing mat 104 isin use.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2B, it can be seen that the changingmat 104 may comprise one or more sections 208,212 which may be connectedand disconnected. The sections 208,212 may be secured together invarious ways. For example, one or more fasteners may be used to securethe sections. Alternatively or in addition, the sections 208,212 may beshaped to secure themselves when properly connected. For instance, asshown in FIG. 2B, the sections 208,212 may have interlocking shapes(like that of puzzle pieces), as indicated by the articulation line 204of FIG. 2B. In this way, the sections 208, 212 may be separated to allowthe changing mat 104 to be easily stored and/or transported. Thechanging mat 104 may then be reassembled for use when needed Likefoldable embodiments, one or more reinforcing members may span anarticulation line 204 to reinforce the combined sections 208,212 of thechanging mat.

It is noted that though particular articulation lines 204 have beenillustrated, a variety of articulation lines may be provided in variousembodiments of the changing mat 104. For example, the articulationslines 204 may include angles, curves, or both in one or moreembodiments. In addition, the articulation lines 204 need not extend allthe way across the changing mat 104. Moreover, the articulation lines204 may be oriented at various angles relative to the changing mat 104.In this manner, a changing mat 104 may fold into various shapes or beseparated into sections of various shapes.

In one or more embodiments, the changing mat 104 may have a size and/orshape which allows it to be placed on commonly available changing tablesor changing stations such as those found in residences and publicplaces. For example, in one embodiment, the changing mat 104 may have awidth of 50 cm and a length of 72 cm. Alternatively, in anotherexemplary embodiment the changing mat 104 may have a width of 32.5 inand a length of 17 in. Other exemplary changing mats 104 may be betweenthese measurements, be smaller, or larger.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the changing mat 104 may have a rectangular orsquare shape. One highly advantageous feature of the changing mat 104herein is that it may have a variety of complex shapes. This isbeneficial in that the shapes may appeal to consumers while generallyconforming to the body shape of an infant to provide adequate support ofthe infant when the infant is secured to the changing mat. For example,the shape of the changing mat 104 may be such that an infant's body andextremities are supported during changing, while at the same time beingan appealing shape to increase popularity and sales.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate some exemplary shapes for changing mats 104.FIGS. 3A and 3D-3F provides the appearance of a turtle, FIG. 3B providesthe appearance of a bear, and FIG. 3C provides the appearance of arabbit. Thus, as can be seen, a variety of engaging and appealing shapesmay be used. Also, as can be seen, the shapes may be configured toprovide sufficient area to support an infant's body and extremities(even when the infant moves his or her extremities). The support surface120 of the changing mat 104 may provide a graphic design which enhancesthe shape of the changing mat. For example, the support surface 120 mayhave a turtle shell, head, legs, and/or tail design in FIG. 3A, a furrydesign in FIG. 3B, or a rabbit face design in FIG. 3C. It iscontemplated that the shapes may have short or reduced lengthextremities or limbs so as to allow the changing mat 104 to be moreeasily transported.

The shapes and/or support surface designs may give the appearance ofvarious objects, animals, characters, people, or a combination thereof.The shapes and/or support surface may be configured based on an infant'sgender. For example, a truck design or shape could be intended for maleinfants while a rabbit design or shape could be intended for femaleinfants, or vice versa. Some additional examples of shapes and/orsupport surface designs include, trains, flowers, buildings, planes,dogs, cats, cartoon or other fictional or real characters/animals,plants, tools, and gadgets.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, andembodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in anycombination or arrangement.

1. A baby changing mat comprising: a planar stiffening element having atop and a bottom; a support surface having a least some cushioning, thesupport surface covering at least a portion of the top of the stiffeningelement; a plurality of mounts configured to engage one or more straps,the one or more straps extending outward from the support surface; andone or more couplers attached to one or more of the one or more straps,the to one or more couplers configured to connect the one or more of theone or more straps to secure an infant to the changing mat.
 2. The babychanging mat of claim 1, wherein the support surface forms a formfitting cover around the top and the bottom the stiffening element. 3.The baby changing mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of mounts arearranged in four sets of one or more mounts with a first two of the setson a first side of the changing mat and a second two of the sets on asecond side of the changing mat.
 4. The baby changing mat of claim 3wherein, pairs of the sets of the one or more mounts are aligned suchthat the one or more straps extend diagonally between the pairs of thesets.
 5. The baby changing mat of claim 3, wherein a first pair of thesets of the one or more mounts at the top of the changing mat arelaterally spaced closer together than a lateral spacing of a second pairof the sets.
 6. The baby changing mat of claim 5, wherein the one ormore straps extend between the sets of the one or more mounts in an “X”shape that is narrower at the top of the changing mat because of thelateral spacing of the first pair of the sets.
 7. The baby changing matof claim 1, wherein the stiffening element comprises to at least onearticulation line and is foldable along the at least one articulationline.
 8. A changing mat comprising: a stiffening element; a supportsurface having a least some cushioning, the support surface at a top ofthe changing mat and adjacent the stiffening element; a plurality ofmounts arranged in one or more pairs with one or more first mounts of apair on a first side of the support surface and one or more secondmounts of the pair on a second side of the support surface; one or morestraps extending between the one or more pairs of mounts; and a bottomsurface having one or more gripping elements.
 9. The changing mat ofclaim 8, wherein the one or more straps extend between the one or morepairs of mounts in an “X” shape.
 10. The changing mat of claim 9,wherein the plurality of mounts of the one or more pairs of mounts arepositioned to cause the “X” shape formed by the one or more straps to benarrower at a top end and wider at a bottom end.
 11. The changing mat ofclaim 8, wherein individual mounts of the one or more pairs are alignedsuch that the one or more straps extend diagonally between the pairs ofthe sets.
 12. The changing mat of claim 8, wherein a first pair of thesets of the one or more mounts at the top of the changing mat arelaterally spaced closer together than a lateral spacing of a second pairof the sets.
 13. The changing mat of claim 8, wherein the one or morestraps comprise one or more couplers configured to releasably connect afirst and a second portion of the one or more straps.
 14. The changingmat of claim 8, wherein the changing mat has an outer peripheral shapecorresponding to an animal.
 15. The changing mat of claim 8, wherein theone or more straps releasably engage one or more of the plurality mountsto permit the one or more straps to extend between various of theplurality of mounts.
 16. A method of changing a baby with a changing matcomprising: providing a changing mat comprising a support surfacemounted to a first side of a stiffening element, and a plurality ofpairs of mounts located diagonal from each other on a first side and asecond side of the support surface; attaching a plurality of straps inan “X” shape to the support surface via one or more of the pairs ofmounts at the support surface; and providing a bottom surface of thechanging mat at a second side of the stiffening element.
 17. The methodof claim 16 further comprising providing one or more couplers configuredto releasably connect a first portion of at least one of the pluralitystraps to a second portion of the at least one of the plurality ofstraps.
 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising positioning atleast two of the mounts to cause the “X” shape of the straps to benarrower at a top end of the changing mat and wider at a bottom end ofthe changing mat.
 19. The method of claim 16 further comprising placingthe baby beneath a portion of the plurality of straps.
 20. The method ofclaim 19 further comprising positioning the baby such that the baby'shead extends out at a top end of the “X” shape, the baby's arms extendout laterally from the “X” shape, and the baby's legs extend out at abottom end of the “X” shape.